Chickenpox Facts: No "White Chickenpox" Exists

There is no medical entity called "white chickenpox." Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Classic Presentation

• Prodrome: fever, malaise, anorexia (1–2 days).
• Rash: Centripetal distribution (trunk → face/extremities). Progresses: macules → vesicles (dew-drop on rose petal) → pustules → crusts. Crops appear over 3–5 days.
• Pruritus often intense.
• Contagious from 1–2 days before rash until all lesions crusted (~5–7 days).

Complications

• Secondary bacterial infection (impetigo, cellulitis).
• Varicella pneumonia (adults, immunocompromised).
• Encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, Reye syndrome (if aspirin given).

Prevention

Two-dose varicella vaccine (12–15 mo, 4–6 yr) >90% effective. Post-exposure prophylaxis: vaccine within 3–5 days or VariZIG for high-risk.